Living It

I have been getting writing again. It seems to be something that I have seasons of. Just thought I wouls share another place that I write Creative writing Exercises to get your thoughts flowing

Ochiltrinkets : There are a few wee gifts that would be ideal for Valantines. Love themed bookmarks and lovely heart shape pocket watches. A great accessory to go on any ladies handbag on a night out Check out my Ochiltrinkets shop!

It is that time of year where you reflect on what has gone on and contemplate on the future. At the end of the year last year my cousin passed away and I felt led to write a poem for the family. I was honoured that it was read out at the thanksgiving service, which took part at the other side of the world. I guess because it is that time of year when you reflect and perhaps also because work is less over this period (yes I have been working!) I have been thinking about my poetry. As some of you know I have been published in several anthologies over the years. So as I have been reflecting, I then read some poetry by Stewart Henderson and got some inspiration. That then made me think of how many were in anthologies and how many are not published and even what I might want to write now. As some of you know my sister is just about to publish her first book, so the thoughts of self publishing has been the talk for her for months. I got my old folder out and read some of the ant...

I have been technically self employed for 6 years now. I receive donations for the work that I do in Christian Ministry, therefore I declare to the Tax man what income I receive from this. Earlier in the year I started a hobby of Jewellery making, I soon realised there is only so much you can make for yourself, so what are you going to do with the rest? Give it away? Yes but again there is only so many friends I have. So the next obvious answer is sell it. Sounds easy isn't it? Well yes - but you are setting up a new entity. The administration is more than you may think. I am obviously thought online selling is an option ebay. Yes but there is so many people doing that, it tends to sell for buttons , if at all. Your own shop. You can try online carts from google and attaching them onto you blog. Hosts such as Groovycart also make setting up a free shop a simple process but there are limits to the free site and the silver and gold options cost as much as a own website a ...

A few months ago I went to a women's weekend away and during the course of the weekend we were given a piece with lots of statements on it. There are lots of variations of these available, some geared for workplaces whilst others are more individual. This one was individual and detailed. I must say that my results did not surprise me but some of the women with me really struggled as we had to refine the statements down to 3. I know that I am a woman who values my family and I love them to pieces. I also know that I would struggle to be a stay at home mum. Hats off to you ladies, I get cabin fever and I have to work and have a mental stimulus. My kids know that I am a woman who likes Honesty and Integrity. If my kids do something wrong, they know the worst thing to do is lie about it. They are probably going to get more of a row for the lie than what they would for their demeanour. The bit I found hard in the exercise was getting it down to 3 as work and family give me a ...

There is a time for everything... Some people like to keep different areas of their lives in different boxes... Sometimes though you need to "Nail your colours to the mast" and Shout when you think that there is something fundamentally wrong. When I read in the paper the Council was going to close the pool in February I had to get involved. Months later we are still fighting on, hoping to convince the Council to asset transfer the building to us. Some of the decisions have amazed me. The pool has been badly managed for years. In the short time we have been looking we have found businesses willing to let out the pool or the hall, yet they were not given that facility as an option when they asked. The council is now renting time at a pool the police own, rather than use the one they own. They are trying to say there is no demand for it! So the parents are being asked to pay more for swim lessons and have to travel to the next county for the privilege... So that is 2 ext...

Hi this is just a quick plug. I have started making some wee trinkets and Jewellery. If you are looking for a gift, you can support me by purchasing some earrings or bookmarks. I am still in the process of making things and new products will be added. So please keep checking back. The link below will take you to the main page http://www.GroovyCart.co.uk/?d=2240 My site is www.GroovyCart.co.uk/ochiltrinkets